RAMSEY — Sophomore Austin Bodrato never pitched before last season. Devin Ortiz might be one of the most talked about players in North Jersey, but he’s still a freshman.

Neither one of the St. Joseph right-handers had ever faced Big North archrival Don Bosco before on the varsity level. But that didn’t make any difference Monday.

Bodrato threw five innings of one-hit, one-run ball and Ortiz came on to earn his first save as the Green Knights, ranked No. 2 in The Record baseball Top 25, picked up a crucial 2-1 victory over the No. 8 Ironmen in United Division action.

"What you saw today was the present and future of St. Joseph baseball," said St. Joseph coach Frank Salvano, beaming like a proud father over his prized young arms.

The win avenged an opening day loss to Bosco, and could have big implications when the Bergen County tournament is seeded May 5. The win also keeps the Green Knights (10-2-1) a game behind Bergen Catholic with three division games, including one with the Crusaders, remaining.

"This was a signature win for us," Salvano said. "Probably our first signature win of the season."

Bodrato (2-0), in particular, has been a revelation. His arm strength is no surprise — he’ll be in the running for the football quarterback job this summer — but he has stepped up as the hardest thrower on the staff.

"The sky’s the limit for him," Salvano said.

Bodrato, who topped out at 91 miles per hour on the radar gun Monday, had five strikeouts, all looking. Bosco scored its only run in the fourth inning when catcher Dylan Maher hit into a force play with the bases loaded and one out.

"It was all about getting guys out," Bodrato said. "One batter at a time."

The Green Knights gave him a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth on a two-run double by senior catcher Isaias Quiroz. It was Quiroz’s seventh double of the season, and he has a team-high 11 RBI.

"The young kids are pulling the load, but the seniors are still leading us," Salvano said.

Bosco (8-5) loaded the bases with one out in the sixth inning, and Salvano turned to Ortiz. He’s made three outstanding starts this season, and he looked as calm and cool as a seasoned upper classman in his first taste of pitching in one of North Jersey’s best rivalries.

"I just focused on getting outs," Ortiz said.

Ortiz struck out the first batter he faced, and got out of the jam courtesy of a diving stop by junior second baseman John Greeley — another first-year varsity player — on a sharply hit ball by Sean Buckhout.

"I wasn’t worried," Ortiz said.

"What can you say after that?" Salvano said. "I looked him in the eye, and he said, ‘I got it.’ You don’t get many kids like that."

Quiroz, one of North Jersey’s best defensive catchers, is just as proud of his young pitchers.

"The young guys are just unbelievable," Quiroz said.

"They know how to pitch. They’re the ones with the ball. I just put the glove out, crouch as low as I can and give them a target."

Ortiz gave up a two out single to Adam Ayala in the bottom of the seventh before finishing off the save.